Perhaps this quote from the Swiss naturalist Louis Agassiz summarizes the following pages and images best:

"I spent the summer traveling; I got halfway across my back yard."

Friday, October 30, 2009

Northern Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)

This little gem was hidden under a decaying log along one of the Frink Center trails on October 12th, 2009. The first two photos of the salamander in its habitat were taken by Elinor McKenzie with her Canon PowerShot A570.

The "redback" salamander actually comes in two color phases, the other form is entirely dull lead grey, lacking the red stripe on the back. This small amphibian has no lungs; it absorbs oxygen through its skin and the lining on the roof of its mouth.

The pictures of the salamander in Elinor's hand give an idea of its size. This specimen was less than two inches long.